14 August 2025
Syafrijal S.Kom
The University of North Sumatra (USU) held a Community Service (PKM) activity entitled, "Formation and Empowerment of the Community Regarding Disease Prevention and Self-Care Methods for Diabetes Patients," in Kutalimbaru District, Deliserdang, on Wednesday (August 13th).
The team from the USU Community Service Institute (LPM) comprised members from the USU Faculty of Medicine (FK), led by Prof. Dr. Arlinda Sari Wahyuni, MKes, FISPH, FISCM, SpKKLP(K), along with team members Prof. Dr. Rina Amelia MARS, SpKKLP(K), Dr. Denny Ferdiansyah, SpKFR, and assisted by USU FK students: Christanti Regina Br. Ginting, SKed, Cut Raudhatul Ridha, SKed, Dinda Putri Maharani, SKed, Grace Ibaskatana Banurea, SKed, Isabella Anjani Putri, SKed, and Dinda Rahmayani Azhar.
The Head of the USU Faculty of Medicine Student Creativity Program (PKM) Team, Prof. Dr. Arlinda Sari Wahyuni, MKes, FISPH, FISCM, SpKKLP(K), stated that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Kutalimbaru District, Deliserdang Regency, has not been specifically recorded, but several related data can provide a general overview. According to data from the Deliserdang Health Office (Dinkes) (2022), Deliserdang Regency has the highest prevalence of diabetes mellitus, with 43,853 cases. Meanwhile, information from the Kutalimbaru Community Health Center (Puskesmas) in Deliserdang shows that diabetes mellitus was among the top 10 most common diseases in the region in 2022, with Kutalimbaru Village being the area with the highest number of diabetes cases.
"Some of the causes of diabetes mellitus are risk factors such as family genetics, obesity, and dietary factors. Typical signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus include constant thirst, a frequent urge to urinate, and fatigue," she said.
According to Prof. Arlinda, if diabetes mellitus is not promptly treated, complications can occur. Some of these complications include impaired vision, kidney problems, impotence in men, and chronic tissue damage due to open wounds that are difficult to heal.
This Community Service Program (PKM) activity is being conducted in collaboration with Berlin Ginting, the Head of the Raudhatus Sakinah Kutalimbaru Religious Education Association in Deliserdang. This demonstrates the community's commitment to preventing diabetes mellitus.
The event began with simultaneous blood pressure and blood glucose (KGD) checks for each participant to assess their baseline health. Fifty participants from the community around Kutalimbaru, Deliserdang, were in attendance.
Following the checks, participants took a pre-test to assess their initial knowledge about diabetes mellitus prevention before the counseling session began. The event then continued with a counseling session on the topic of "Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus." In this session, participants were provided with a comprehensive understanding of diabetes mellitus, including its definition, epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms, and preventative measures that can be implemented in daily life.
Health experts also explained how a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption can help prevent diabetes.
In this regard, Prof. Arlinda emphasized the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes as preventative measures to reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus, one of which is reducing weight if it exceeds the ideal weight limit.
Similar points were made by Dinda Putri Maharani, SKed, and Dr. Denny Ferdiansyah, Sp.KFR, members of the USU Faculty of Medicine's Student Creativity Program (PKM) team. They explained diabetes mellitus prevention and recommended activities for diabetes sufferers.
The event concluded with a post-test to measure the increase in participants' knowledge after the training. The post-test results showed a significant increase in participants' understanding of diabetes mellitus and its prevention.
https://sumutpos.jawapos.com/pendidikan/2376431802/cegah-penyakit-diabetes-fk-usu-gelar-edukasi-metode-self-care-untuk-masyarakat-kutalimbaru-deliserdang
